This weekend...* If you want to cut off your nose to spite...

Outdoor Journal

September 26, 1991|By Bill Burton

This weekend...

* If you want to cut off your nose to spite your face, go ahead. Ignore that new Coast Guard user fee and its accompanying sticker, but it won't go away -- not for the present at least. That the Coast Guard promises, as well as promising enforcement of Congress' latest anti-boater maneuver.

Next Tuesday, the highly controversial user fee goes into effect -- accompanied by stiff fees -- for recreational boatmen. Unless many private boat anglers act swiftly, they could find themselves high and dry for the Oct. 9 opening of the fall rockfish season. Their applications could become inundated in the big rush.

Many outraged skippers claim they will ignore the fee. "What can they do?" they ask. Here's what the CG can do: ticket them -- and this is no ordinary ticket. There is no paying a small fee by mail. It means an appearance at a hearing. In addition, the fine can be as high as $5,000 for boats without decals on navigable waters.

Something else: No sticker, and the Coast Guard will inspect the boat's equipment, which many skippers would rather not think about. Don't blame the Coast Guard; Congress implemented the user fee, none of the proceeds of which go to it. Instead, the monies go into the General Fund. It's a money-making move in these recession days and red ink budgets.

Yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee canceled a meeting on the issue when unable to come up with revenue options to replace budgetary funds that would be lost if the new fee was repealed. In the budget process, equal funding must be made available from an alternative source.

Here's how things now stand.

* After two delays in enforcement, the sticker must be displayed Oct. 1 -- and it covers applicable boats in the water, not just those traveling -- though the Coast Guard indicates it won't check docks for boats not stickered. Nor will patrols be on the water just scouting for violators. However, there will be no more grace periods.

* The fees: None for pleasure craft under 16 feet; $25 for boats 16 to under 20 feet; $35 for boats 20 to under 27 feet; $50 for boats 27 to under 40 feet; and $100 for boats over 40 feet. The sticker is valid for the calendar year.

* To obtain a permit application, call 1-800-BOAT, and it will be mailed to you. Completion of the process could take two weeks or more. If you prefer faster service, call the same number and order a permit with either VISA or Mastercard, and expect it in seven to 10 days. Currently, there are no cash basis outlets for purchases at this time.

* Owners of only one in 10 boats requiring a sticker has yet to order one, so anticipate a rush -- and possible delays -- from now on. Purchases are coming in at the rate of 3,000 a day. If stopped after next Monday, after ordering a sticker but not yet in possession of it, there are indications the CG will check via computer, but there are no guarantees of immunity. It's your risk.

* BOAT/US has filed suit to knock out the fee, but that's a big if; so is alternate funding by Congress. You have been warned.

* Sunday: The 90-foot headboat OC Princess will depart in late afternoon on its last offshore overnight tuna fishing trip. Last weekend, 22 tuna of up to 65 pounds were taken. Reservations limited. Call 1-301-289-8121.

* Monday: Can it be that the Atlantic Coast Marine Fisheries Commission has spotted something it doesn't like in Maryland's proposed spring rockfish season? Rumor has it this is so, and that subject is on the agenda at a special meeting of the Maryland Striped Bass Advisory Committee at 6 p.m. at Tawes State Office Building.

* For the first time in any combination big money fishing tournament, a sea trout has topped a bluefish for big fish honors, and it happened in the $25,000 Big Bucks Tournament out of the Rod & Reel Docks, Chesapeake Beach. Todd Ireland's 9.80-pound sea trout won $15,000. The best blue was a 6.5-pounder worth $1,000.